Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki's Support Base Crumbles

Former Domestic and Foreign Allies, Including Iran, Back Alternative Nominee

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki grew increasingly isolated on Tuesday, pushed further to the political sidelines as powerful factions at home and his closest regional ally, Iran, threw their weight behind the man nominated to succeed him.

Mr. Maliki had vowed Monday to challenge the president's designation of Haider al-Abadi to form the next government, raising the prospect of violence and deeper instability as security forces deployed in some parts of Baghdad. But with his support base fast crumbling around him, Mr....

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